Trace the shape of your stoma onto the back of the new pouch and barrier or wafer (wafers are part of a 2-piece pouch system).

Use a stoma guide with different sizes and shapes, if you have one.

Or, draw the shape of your stoma on a piece of paper. You may want to cut out your drawing and hold it up to your stoma to make sure it is the right size and shape. The edges of the opening should be close to the stoma, but they should not touch the stoma itself.

Trace this shape onto the back of your new pouch or wafer. Then cut the wafer to the shape.

Use skin barrier powder or paste around the stoma, if your doctor or nurse has recommended this.

If the stoma is at or below the level of your skin, or if the skin around your stoma is uneven, using the paste will help seal it better.

The skin around your stoma should be dry and smooth. There should no wrinkles in the skin around the stoma.

Remove the backing from the pouch. Make sure the opening of the new pouch is centered over the stoma and pressed firmly onto your skin.

Hold your hand over the pouch and barrier for about 30 seconds after you have placed it. This will help seal it better.

Ask your nurse or doctor about using tape around the sides of the pouch or wafer to help seal them better.

Fold the bag and secure it.

When to Call the Doctor

Call your doctor or nurse if:

Your stoma is swelling and is more than a half inch larger than normal.

Your stoma is pulling in, below the skin level.

Your stoma is bleeding more than normal.

Your stoma has turned purple, black, or white.

Your stoma is leaking often.

Your stoma does not seem to fit as well as it did before.

You have to change the appliance every day or two.

You have a skin rash, or the skin around your stoma is raw.

You have a discharge from the stoma that smells bad.

Your skin around your stoma is pushing out.

You have any kind of sore on the skin around your stoma.

You have any signs of being dehydrated (there is not enough water in your body). Some signs are dry mouth, urinating less often, and feeling lightheaded or weak.